Discover Native: Sustainable Fine Dining in Worcestershire

Native, the brainchild of Ivan Tisdall-Downes and Imogen Davis, has evolved from its street food origins in Covent Garden to a full-fledged sustainable restaurant. Relocated from London to the picturesque Netherwood Estate in Worcestershire, this unique dining experience promises a seamless blend of rustic charm and fine dining.

 

Ivan Tisdall-Downes, an experienced chef with a diverse culinary background, and Imogen Davis, the business director, started Native with a street food stall in 2016. Their early menu featured unconventional dishes like pigeon kebab and squirrel lasagne. Over time, Native transitioned to a more refined dining style, culminating in their dream of a farm-to-table restaurant.

 

At Native, the menu is dictated by the land. The restaurant offers a tasting menu-only format, with a choice between a four-course meal for £65 or a seven-course experience for £105. The dishes, which can change daily, highlight the freshest local ingredients. Sample offerings include a ‘regeneration risotto,’ Herdwick lamb with Wye Valley asparagus, and blackcurrant leaf madeleines. Sundays feature a special nose-to-tail roast menu for £45.

 

Native’s beverage program is as thoughtfully curated as its food. The wine list focuses on organic, biodynamic, natural, and low-intervention wines, available by the glass, bottle, or as part of a pairing. The restaurant also offers signature cocktails inspired by their kitchen garden, along with beers from Two Tribes Brewery, kombuchas, and foraged teas.

 

The restaurant’s rustic, stripped-back interior remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, Pensons. The dining area accommodates 32 guests, with an additional 14-seat private dining room upstairs. Two adjacent bedrooms are available for overnight stays, with plans to expand this to seven rooms to enhance accessibility for travellers.

 

Native’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its operations. From sourcing ingredients through regenerative farming to implementing comprehensive composting practices, the restaurant aims to give back more than it takes. This dedication to sustainability ensures that each meal is not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.

 

Native’s relaunch in Worcestershire marks a new chapter in its journey, blending sustainability with culinary excellence. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor, Native offers a dining experience that is as ethical as it is unforgettable. Visit Native’s website for more information and to book your table at this remarkable restaurant.

Sacha Lord Urges Government to Appoint Minister for Hospitality

The hospitality industry, a cornerstone of the UK economy, is under significant strain. Sacha Lord, the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, has made a compelling case for the government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Hospitality. This move, he argues, is essential for addressing the unique challenges and needs of this vital sector.

 

Lord highlights several key issues that have plagued the hospitality industry in recent years, from the impracticality of certain COVID-19 regulations to ongoing struggles with energy pricing and workforce shortages. The lack of a dedicated minister has led to a series of policy missteps and a general misunderstanding of the sector’s importance among lawmakers.

 

The hospitality industry is not just about food and drink; it is the fifth-largest sector in the UK, contributing a staggering £93 billion to the economy and playing a crucial role in supporting tourism. Despite its significant economic impact, the sector has often been overlooked in political discussions, leading to decisions that have put businesses at risk.

 

Over 23,000 hospitality venues have closed in the past three years, a testament to the sector’s vulnerability in the face of the pandemic, rising living costs, and interest rate hikes. Financial instability, combined with a shrinking workforce and increasing operational costs, underscores the need for targeted support. A dedicated minister could provide the focused attention and advocacy needed to navigate these challenges.

 

Lord’s appeal is clear: the incoming government must prioritize the appointment of a Minister for Hospitality. This role would ensure that the sector’s interests are adequately represented in Parliament, fostering a better understanding of its challenges and securing its future. Such a move would demonstrate a genuine appreciation of the hospitality industry’s value and its indispensable contribution to the UK’s economy and cultural fabric.

 

The hospitality sector’s future hinges on the recognition of its importance and the provision of dedicated support. By appointing a Minister for Hospitality, the government can take a significant step towards ensuring the sector’s resilience and growth. Sacha Lord’s call to action is not just timely but crucial for the sustained prosperity of the industry. This proactive approach will help safeguard the livelihoods of countless individuals and businesses, reinforcing the hospitality industry’s role as a pillar of the UK economy.

The Latest Concept Restaurants

This month brings an exciting array of new restaurant openings across the UK, featuring renowned chefs and innovative concepts. Here’s a detailed look at the standout venues making their debut this month.

 

Albatross Death Cult – Birmingham

Alex Claridge, known for his avant-garde approach at The Wilderness, is launching a new venture, Albatross Death Cult, in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Set in a Grade II listed warehouse, this unique dining experience will seat 14 guests around a monolithic kitchen counter. The tasting menu, featuring 12 or more dishes, will predominantly focus on seafood and coastal ingredients. Claridge’s “brutalist” style will see ingredients like mackerel used in multiple ways, such as fresh sashimi and a clarified smoky dashi.

Location: Newhall Square, Birmingham, B3 1RU

 

Akira Back – London

Korean chef Akira Back opens his namesake restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair in London. This 148-cover dining room will offer dishes inspired by Back’s Korean heritage and modern Japanese cuisine, enriched by his global culinary experiences. The menu includes bento boxes, donburi, and an array of hot and cold dishes such as tuna pizza, wagyu tartare, and wagyu bulgogi tacos. Later, the hotel will also host Dosa, a more exclusive 14-cover dining experience overseen by Back.

Location: 22 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London, W1S 1JP

 

Tender by Niall Keating – Manchester

Niall Keating, after leaving Luna in Staffordshire, is set to open Tender at the Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester. The restaurant will offer ‘gourmet food for everyday dining,’ including weekday brasserie lunches, a la carte dinners, afternoon teas, a special Sunday roast, and a chef’s table with a tasting menu. Managed by Tracy Harrison, the venue also includes ‘The Bank,’ a private dining space for up to 12 guests.

Location: 4 Norfolk St, Manchester M2 1DW

 

Tartan Fox – Cornwall

Adam Handling’s second pub, Tartan Fox, opens in a 400-year-old building between Newquay and Truro. The venue features a bar, wine room, restaurant, and private dining rooms, with additional seating in the extensive garden area. As with Handling’s other ventures, Tartan Fox emphasizes sustainability, sourcing produce locally. The menu includes snacks, pub classics, and signature dishes with Scottish influences.

Location: Carvynick Farm, A3058, Newquay, TR8 5AF

 

Y Marram – Anglesey

Brothers Liam and Ellis Barrie are relaunching their award-winning Anglesey restaurant The Marram Grass under the new name Y Marram. Initially reopening as an events space, it will host a series of guest chef dinners starting with Romy Gill on June 28. Subsequent dinners will feature chefs like Pip Lacey, Simon Rimmer, Tony Singh, Adam Reid, and Jeremy Pang.

Location: White Lodge, Newborough, LL61 6RS

 

Henri – London

Chef Jackson Boxer teams up with Experimental Group to open Henri at The Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden. This new bistro, opening on June 10, will serve French classics with Boxer’s twist, alongside signature Experimental cocktails. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, the interior will blend Parisian and Covent Garden aesthetics.

Location: 14-15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH

 

Jones & Sons – South Woodford, London

Andy Jones expands with a second Jones & Sons restaurant in South Woodford, taking over the former Elmo’s Pizza site. The venue will include a bar, dining spaces, and a garden terrace. Head chef Kieran Hope’s menu will feature seasonal British dishes such as oyster Rockefeller and honey miso cod, along with a brunch and Sunday roast menu.

Location: 98–106 High Road, South Woodford, London E18 2QH

 

Permit Room – Cambridge

Dishoom’s offshoot, Permit Room, opens its second location in Cambridge on June 10. The menu will include drink-friendly snacks, chaats, patties, and heartier dishes like chicken ruby curry and mattar paneer. Permit Room aims to offer an all-day dining and drinking experience.

Location: 17 Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TB

 

Bobo Social – Ealing, London

Bobo Social makes a comeback in Ealing’s Filmworks development. This 120-cover venue, with an additional 40 outdoor seats, will serve modern British and European cuisine, including dishes like chilli salt squid and a smash burger. The cocktail menu will feature creative drinks like The Sicilian and One Day In Summer.

Location: Filmworks Walk, London, W5 5FA

 

The Little Violet Door – Soho, London

The house-party inspired concept, The Little Violet Door, opens a new venue in Soho. This two-storey space will accommodate 180 guests and offer a menu of sharing dishes, tacos, mezze boards, and a bottomless brunch. The interior design draws inspiration from Swinging London in the 1960s, blending music and fashion from the 70s and 80s.

Location: 9 Kingly Street, Carnaby, London, W1B 5PH

 

New Openings in May 2024

From vibrant new dining spots to chic hotels and bars, here’s a detailed look at exciting new openings from last month.

 

Chez Roux

Michel Roux Jr introduces Chez Roux at the Langham London, serving British classics with a French twist. The restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from Roux’s childhood in rural Kent and the early menus from Le Gavroche in 1967, bringing a nostalgic yet modern dining experience. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere complemented by elegant décor.

 

Julie’s

Julie’s in London’s Holland Park reopens under new ownership with a focus on modern French cuisine. Tara MacBain has partnered with interior design studio Rosanna Bossom and chef patron Owen Kenworthy to create a dining experience that emphasizes seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s chic interior and relaxed ambiance make it an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions.

 

Giant Yorkie Roast

Joining the Castle Quarter shopping centre in Norwich, Giant Yorkie Roast Co offers a unique take on traditional roast dinners. The venue serves roast dinner-style wraps filled with turkey, pulled pork, beef brisket, or a range of vegetarian options, all encased in giant Yorkshire puddings. It’s a convenient and delicious option for shoppers and visitors alike.

 

Roth Bar

Artfarm, known for the Fife Arms hotel in Braemar and Mount St Restaurant in London’s Mayfair, opens Roth Bar in Bruton, Somerset. Named after the late artist Dieter Roth, the bar and restaurant offer a blend of art and gastronomy. Guests can enjoy summer minestrone soup, buttermilk fried chicken, and Bacchus Martini in a setting that integrates contemporary art and rustic charm.

 

Atis

Salad bar Atis launches its flagship restaurant on London’s Regent Street, marking its sixth opening in the capital. Known for its vibrant and healthy bowls, the new location will offer an exclusive bowl alongside its popular menu. The spacious, modern interior provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying fresh, wholesome meals.

 

The Store

Opening in Oxford, The Store hotel occupies the historic Boswells department store site. This seven-storey, 101-bedroom property features three restaurants and bars, a co-working space, and an urban spa in partnership with British brand Oskia. The hotel’s blend of historic charm and modern luxury makes it a prime destination for both business and leisure travellers.

 

Pasture Birmingham

Chef-owner Sam Elliott expands his Pasture restaurant brand with a new 7000 sq. ft site in Birmingham. Known for its fire-based cooking, Pasture Birmingham will feature resident DJs and a selection of high-quality steaks, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere for diners.

 

1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

Located atop John Lewis & Partners’ flagship Oxford Street store, the 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen offers a chic venue with indoor and outdoor seating. The 7310 sq. ft space on the sixth floor can accommodate up to 200 people standing, with an additional 64 for dining across the indoor bar, outdoor terrace, and greenhouse-style booths.

 

Bobo Social

Bobo Social launches its third site in London’s Ealing Broadway, offering modern British and European dishes. The 120-cover restaurant, which expands to 160 covers in the summer with a terrace, provides a daily brunch and an à la carte menu of sharing plates, making it a perfect spot for social dining.

 

El Cenote Camden London

Aima Indigo and chef Daniel Sanchez bring El Cenote to Camden, London, offering traditional Mexican street food. The bar features a variety of cocktails, ranging from classic Margaritas to unique twists on signature drinks, providing an authentic Mexican dining experience in the heart of London.

 

Sotto Cucina & Bar

Sotto Cucina & Bar opens at Hyatt Place London City East in Whitechapel, offering Sicilian cuisine with a British twist. Executive chef Alfio Laudani combines Catanian flavours with locally sourced British ingredients, creating a unique and flavourful dining experience.

 

Roe Canary Wharf London

Roe, a new venture from the team behind Fallow, opens in Wood Wharf, London. Emphasizing zero waste and nose-to-tail cooking, Roe’s menu is inspired by Cornwall and southern England. The 500-cover restaurant spans three floors and includes a wraparound terrace overlooking the South Dock canal.

 

Kati Roll Company

Payal Saha’s Kati Roll Company opens its second London location in Liverpool Street, 16 years after launching its first UK site in Soho. The new venue offers Kolkata-inspired street food, including popular dishes like the unda paneer roll and chicken tikka roll.

 

Doughnation Covent Garden London

Doughnation brings artisan pizza to London’s Covent Garden with a unique philanthropic approach. A portion of the cost of each pizza slice will be donated to charitable causes. The restaurant includes a terrace in Covent Garden’s piazza, making it a charming spot for enjoying delicious pizza.

 

Old Harry Rocks Bar & Restaurant Bournemouth

The Nici hotel in Bournemouth’s West Cliff opens its second restaurant, Old Harry Rocks. The 120-cover venue offers a casual dining menu with an emphasis on seasonal seafood, providing a relaxed yet refined dining experience.

 

Pizza Pilgrims

Neapolitan pizzeria Pizza Pilgrims expands to London’s Euston with a restaurant inspired by the Amalfi Coast. The new 104-cover venue features a beach-themed bar, disco balls, wall art, and colourful umbrellas, creating a vibrant and fun dining atmosphere.

 

Terrace at Brooklands by Claude Bosi

The Terrace at Brooklands by Claude Bosi at the Peninsula London reopens, offering a refined menu designed by Claude Bosi and Francesco Dibenedetto. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch while savouring exquisite dishes.

 

July Fitzrovia London

Food writer Solynka Dumas and her partner Julian Oschmann open an Alsatian-inspired restaurant and wine bar in Fitzrovia, London. July offers an all-day menu that transitions from breakfast pastries and coffee to bar snacks and small plates, complemented by a selection of low-intervention wines.

The MICHELIN Guide celebrates the most remarkable hotels in the world, by creating a special distinction: The MICHELIN Key

The MICHELIN Guide teams have selected more than 5,000 hotels and accommodations throughout the world, all available for booking on guide.michelin.com and the Guide mobile application

With this new selection, The MICHELIN Guide creates the MICHELIN Key, a special distinction that highlights the establishments offering the most exceptional hotel experiences

These hotels and accommodations will receive the MICHELIN Key beginning in 2024

As it does for restaurants, The MICHELIN Guide intends on independently recommending hotels that constitute true destinations. After four years of work, The MICHELIN Guide now proposes a new selection of more than 5,000 remarkable hotels in 120 countries.

 

The MICHELIN Key, a new MICHELIN Guide distinction

In an industry saturated with questionably trustworthy endorsements, the MICHELIN Guide offers its expertise to travellers to guide them towards only the very best experiences. In response to today’s hyper-standardisation of accommodation (in terms of design, interior decoration, special touches, and so on), The MICHELIN Guide will appeal to travellers’ emotions by orienting them towards bold establishments that excel in every way: architectural approaches, professional know-how, and the existence of a true, identifiable personality.

 

The new MICHELIN Guide selection recommends more than 5,000 hotels throughout 120 countries in a broad range of prices and styles. The selection is based on five criteria:

  1. A destination unto itself: the hotel contributes to the local experience;
  2. Excellence in interior design and architecture;
  3. Individuality, reflecting personality and authenticity;
  4. Quality and consistency in service, comfort and maintenance;
  5. Consistency between the level of experience and the price paid.

 

Determined independently from all existing labels and free of any pre-established quotas, this hotel selection addresses those travellers who already trust The MICHELIN Guide and all those who seek verified, well-informed advice.

 

With this new approach to hotels, The MICHELIN Guide has three objectives:

  • To enable travellers to precede or follow a gourmet experience with a memorable hotel stay.
  • To guide guests towards accommodations of character that offer much more than just a room for the night.
  • To offer travellers the opportunity to choose, book, and share their experiences on a single independent platform.

 

Exploring the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile application is easy and intuitive from planning to booking. Clients may take inspiration from the magazine section, choose between accommodations using a filtering search engine, reserve a room, pay online, and provide feedback or share their experiences. The platform is ad-free for more fluid browsing, and future travellers can also enjoy a customer service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as the assistance of a team of travel experts who specialise in offering tailored guidance.

 

In this new selection, The MICHELIN Guide teams seek to highlight the establishments that raise hospitality to an art form, forging absolutely unique experiences for travellers.

 

“The MICHELIN Key is a clear, reliable indication for travellers. Just as the MICHELIN Star distinguishes those restaurants that are at the peak of their art, the MICHELIN Key recognises the most exceptional hotels throughout the world. It is also an acknowledgment of the teamwork of committed enthusiastic hospitality professionals.”

– Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides

 

Each year, the MICHELIN Key will distinguish exceptional establishments led by teams with unique forms of knowledge. The MICHELIN Key will be awarded following one or several stays conducted anonymously by The MICHELIN Guide selection teams.

 

The MICHELIN Guide teams are currently in the field and will reveal the first MICHELIN Key selection in the first half of 2024.

 

Source: Michelin

Heineken to invest £39m in refurbishing and reopening closed pubs

The brewer is investing in hundreds of its older venues in a bid to attract customers used to working from home.

Heineken UK is to invest £39m in reopening 62 pubs and refurbishing hundreds of its older venues in a bid to attract customers used to working from home.

The brewer, which has around 2,400 sites under its Star Pubs and Bars arm, said a quarter of its venues were in line for improvement this year.

Over 90 of these are set for makeovers costing on average £200,000.

The investment will see 62 sites reopen in 2024, meaning that by the end of the year, Heineken will have reopened 156 long-term closed pubs since the end of 2023.

Heineken said this would create an estimated 1,075 new jobs and reduce its number of closed pubs to pre-pandemic levels.

The refurbishments will focus on introducing new designs, signage and dividing screens to create different areas of the pubs for varied uses such as watching sports and eating dinner.

Recent re-openings included the Ashford Arms (pictured) in Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire, which relaunched after the pandemic as a country pub with a 107-cover restaurant, nine en-suite rooms and a 30-cover alfresco area, while the Ship in Barnsley has become a local pub specialising in sport and entertainment.

Heineken will launch further projects to improve pub insulation and cut energy use by 15% as part of its goal to be net zero by 2040.

Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs, said: “People are looking for maximum value from visits to their local. They want great surroundings and food and drink as well as activities that give them an extra reason to go out, such as sports screenings and entertainment.

“Pubs have proved their enduring appeal; after all the disruption of recent years, Star is on track to have the lowest number of closed pubs since 2019.

“It’s a tribute to the drive and entrepreneurship of licensees and the importance of continued investment. We’ve spent more than £200m upgrading and maintaining our pubs over the last five years, and we’ll continue to invest to keep them open and thriving.”

Heineken entered the UK pub market through its acquisition of Scottish & Newcastle’s UK operations in 2008, which were rebranded into Star Pubs & Bars.

 

Source: The Caterer

Best hotels in Yorkshire according to travel experts

There are a few hotels that have been named the best in Yorkshire by travel experts at Conde Nast Traveller.

Yorkshire has been on Conde Nast’s radar for a while as it won a place in its Best Places to Go in 2024 last year due to its chefs and the delicious food.

Experts at Conde Nast Traveller have discovered that the culinary standards have vastly improved since their last evaluation when it comes to hotels.

With an infusion of modern-luxury style hotels with experience-led, sustainable dining experiences, there are more reasons to travel to the region. Below is a list of Conde Nast’s best stays in Yorkshire with not just hotels but retreats, pubs and restaurants with rooms.

1 – Grantley Hall, Ripon

Conde Nast review says: “For a fairytale affair, book Grantley Hall – Cinderella will go to the ball. A stay at this beautiful hotel and estate is a once-in-a-lifetime treat.

“What are the magic ingredients though? Firstly, start with a chauffeur-driven arrival to the lush, sweeping grounds and grand hall. Then, add a fabulous lunch at old-school Fletchers — go for the roasted king scallops and the Himalayan salt-aged beef fillet.

“Afterwards, it’s time to spa. Go for a dip, or sauna, or just gaze at the glass-like pool. The citrus facial is a must-try, inducing bright, glowy skin, and the tangerine-infused facial mist is summer.

“Finally, round off the day by dining in Shaun Rankin’s Michelin restaurant – opt for the exceptional 10-course tasting menu, Taste of Home, with the wine pairing. Centred around the region’s abundant larder, each artfully crafted course served by whip-smart professionals (standouts include the aged beef, turbot and caviar, and Yorkshire Rhubarb cream slice) just gets better and better: it’s an experience that lives on, well after the meal.”

Address: Grantley Hall, Ripon, HG4 3ET.

Price: From £575 per night with bed and breakfast for two; Shaun Rankin Taste of Home menu £160 per person.

2 – Middleton Lodge, Richmond

Conde Nast review says: “A recent Michelin winner for its outstanding tasting menu at restaurant Forge, Middleton Lodge is a gorgeous country pile and a handsome health retreat near Richmond – it’s worth a spa day in its own right, never mind a sleepover.

“The estate has been beautifully designed by creative director Rebecca Tappin – who has thought of everything when it comes to creating a perfect pampering stay in the countryside.

“It really couldn’t be more perfect: so-cosy cottages blanketed in wisteria with queen-size beds and all the home comforts, a world-class spa, theatrical tasting menu experiences at Forge and hearty, casual eats at The Coach House.

“The ritzy outdoor pool area and health suite at Forest Spa is a newer, bonus attraction — book well ahead.

There’s a menu of bespoke treatments to choose from, set among the lofty forest trees, to the soundtrack of nature. Go for a weekend, as it’s a destination in itself, and ditch the devices – you won’t want to return to your tech anytime soon on this blissful escape.”

Address: Middleton Lodge, Kneeton Lane, Middleton Tyas, Richmond, DL10 6NJ.

Price: From £200 per night for two including breakfast.

3 – No.1, York

Conde Nast review says: “There are some gorgeous York hotels, but, until No.1, there wasn’t a Georgian luxury stay that got all the fundamentals right.

“It feels more like a residence than a hotel, and the little wonder-filled touches throughout the hotel add a cheeky twist. There’s a sweeping, statement staircase on entrance and saffron-hued Marmalade Lounge to take afternoon tea or imbibe in, while restaurant Pearly Cow serves up a delicious Sunday roast with friendly banter.

“Just like all the best hotels, there needs to be high-grade snacks. Visit the pantry on the landing – it’s restocked with jellies, crisps, chocolates, and ice creams – it proved popular with kids (and adults).

“Grown-ups will swoon over the lavender-scented basement spa, pretty four-posters and breakfast in bed – not to mention the retro Crosley record players and impressive vinyl selection. Go without kids, grab a martini in Marmalade and tune out to The White Album.”

Address: No.1 York, 1 Clifton, York, YO30 6AA.

Price: From £200 per night with bed and breakfast for two.

4 – The Alice Hawthorn, Nun Monkton

Conde Nast review says: “A trip to The Alice, a practically perfect country pub with rooms, never disappoints. The idyllic, chocolate-box village of Nun Monkton itself will have you checking Rightmove. It’s not easy to blend high-style and fantastic food so effortlessly into a pub stay – but The Alice has nailed it.

“The petite pub is a place you’d happily hunker down in and nurse a pint over a good book. The room to book is – ahem, The Alice – the pub was named after the famous racehorse. It’s a pampering country bolthole, think sultry low beams, warm cream-hued, cosy linens and blankets, and deep, standalone tubs with all the lotions and potions by Bramley.

“As for the food, try the Portuguese prawns swimming in garlic-chilli balm; the pan-fried cod is supremely succulent and flaky – leave room for a sharing cheeseboard with plenty of British blues.

“Sunday roast is served in the main dining room: don’t miss the roast beef. After breakfast, journey to nearby Beningbrough Hall for a peek inside the grand house, or the rooms have guides to lesser-known walking trails – a nice touch.”

Address: The Alice Hawthorn, The Green, Nun Monkton, York, YO26 8EW.

Price: From £225 per night with bed and breakfast for two.

5 – The Black Swan, Oldstead

Conde Nast review says: “The Black Swan is a Yorkshire icon: a well-established, coveted restaurant with a Michelin star and a green star helmed by head chef Callum Leslie – booking well ahead is essential – the famed lunch or evening tasting menu can be booked with an overnight stay.

“The focus on sustainability at BS is impressive: Dexter beef is reared at the Banks’ farm, vegetables and fruits are grown in the kitchen garden, and foraged ingredients are used consistently – also in cocktails and other tipples.

“A sample menu can feature smoked eel, turbot with razor clams, and the Swan’s own Berkshire pigs – pork belly and black apple. Epoch is the recently launched private seasonal dining space available for a lucky five to eight guests.

“Afterwards, just slope off to your peaceful room; there are nine luxurious rooms named after dales and woodlands around the hamlet. Book the two-night stay for The Abbey and Black Swan and experience both restaurants for a special occasion.”

Address: The Black Swan at Oldstead, Oldstead, York, YO61 4BL.

Price: From £600 per night for a room, dinner and breakfast.

6 – The Talbot, Malton

Conde Nast review says: “The Talbot, a 17th-century coaching inn in the market town of Malton – is ripe for a culinary-focused weekend break in the ‘food capital of Yorkshire’.

“Everything about the warm inn is welcoming; once inside, there are blonde-wood tables, inky-blue walls, orange-bright seating, crackling fires and an ample crowd of regulars in attendance – it’s also one of the best hotels in Yorkshire for dog-friendly visits.

“Go for a deluxe double room with a super king-size bed decked in red pinstripes. When dinner time comes, Talbot’s epic menu of classic pub fare is spot on, formidable fish and chips, homemade pies and burgers – as is the Sunday roast – don’t skip the sticky toffee pudding. They also have a decent children’s menu if you’re bringing little people.”

Address: The Talbot, Yorkersgate, Malton, YO17 7AJ.

Price: from £155 for two-room only.

7 – The Abbey Inn, Byland

Conde Nast review says: “Tommy Banks’ latest pub with rooms – a stylishly converted former Monk’s farmhouse – has gained many excellent reviews, far and wide. Perhaps it’s the winning blend of delicious, sustainably-focused dishes (care of new head chef Alice Power) served at the pub’s chic-country tables and its cosy-cool bedrooms overlooking the idyllic surrounding countryside?

“There is a lovely trio of cosily-crafted bedrooms with all the luxuries and spoilings for a night away with your beau. Then there’s the location directly across the road from the luminous arches of Byland Abbey, enveloped by the refreshing greens of farm and forest.

“Go for the epic Sunday lunches: try the rolled pork belly or roast leg of lamb and one of the signature sundaes – hint, the spiced pear, ginger parkin and calvados butterscotch sundae is memorable.

“Hike it off, high up, at Kilburn White Horse – with inspired patchwork views of the countryside landscape. When it’s time to get some sleep, a quiet night’s slumber at The Abbey is just the tonic.”

Address: The Abbey Inn, Byland, York, YO61 4BD.

Price: From £375 per night, including a £100 dinner allowance and breakfast.

8 – Myse, Hovingham

Conde Nast review says: “Finding Mýse, a new Michelin-star restaurant with rooms in Hovingham – a tiny village on the way to Helmsley – is a bit of a surprise at first. Hovingham is more a place you might pause after a country walk, being close to Castle Howard, so it’s fitting that the restaurant’s characterful, honey-stone building was once the local pub.

“Mýse was awarded its Michelin star after being open for just seven months – and it’s not hard to see why. Joshua and Victoria run a tight ship as a chef and sommelier couple and their deep knowledge shows: what is truly evident is their passion for what they do.

“The 15-course lunch or supper tasting menu is a culinary extravaganza and pays homage to Yorkshire’s finest produce, it features braised ox cheek in Yorkshire pudding batter, roasted Thirkleby duck, and broad bean porridge. The beautifully caramelised medlar cake with malted ice cream is a dreamy ending.

“Another wonderful thing is that service is perfectly timed and two hours is enough to experience lunch at a steady pace. So much consideration has been put into every fine detail here: there’s an impressive non-alcoholic wine pairing too (try the rose wine), and the restaurant logo shows the village tree in all four seasons – a nod to the food ethos here.

“There are three luxurious rooms with calming natural colour palettes, locally sourced antiques, so-snug features, and extra special touches such as personalised Yorkshire parkin welcome gifts – rush to book them – there will be a further three rooms to book from summer this year.”

Address: Mýse, Main Street, Hovingham, York, YO62 4LF.

Price: From £500 for dinner, bed and breakfast for two.

Source: Yorkshire Post

Roe set to open in Canary Wharf

The trio behind Fallow in St James’s London, have announced the opening of their latest restaurant, Roe in Canary Wharf on 22 April. Chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft, alongside Chairman James Robson, are bringing the same nose-to-tail and root-to-stem ethos to Wood Wharf with a concept named after the British Isles’ native deer, an ingredient close to the founders’ heart on account of its environmental credentials.

Set across three floors, the 500-cover restaurant features a 10-seat chef’s table, a mezzanine private dining room and a wraparound terrace overlooking the South Dock Canal. An aeroponic wall looms large over guests arriving. Tended by a full time gardener, the vertical space yields an abundance of fresh produce – with lemon verbena, butterfly sorrel, padron peppers and more featuring heavily throughout the menu. A methodical and environmentally friendly form of growing, the wall gives the team direct access to flavour-packed and sought after ingredients, like the Japanese strawberry variety the ‘Oishii’ – renowned worldwide for its unparalleled sweetness.

Studio Gossamer and STAC Architecture have led on the restaurant’s interior design which features an impressive floor-to-ceiling structure fabricated by 3D printing specialists Fab Pub. The first of its kind, the tree-like design features a texture derived from the growth pattern of corals.

The form, constructed from plant-based bio materials like fermented sugar cane, extends to the counter, setting the open kitchen apart from the dining room. The theme follows through the rest of the space too, with fungi-like planters decorating the walls and lampshades derived from the exoskeleton of corals.

Led by Head Chef Jon Bowring, who worked at Dinner by Heston for 10 years, the flame-fuelled kitchen celebrates some of Britain’s most under-celebrated ingredients. The eponymous roe deer, for example, takes centre stage in a Roe Mixed Grill, championing underused cuts of the meat, with harissa flamed haunch, skewers and sausages served with bright, smoky peppers. Forgotten varieties of fish like wrasse, pouting, dab and tope are sourced from Cornish and Devon waters and transformed into compelling dishes that, the chefs hope, will one day render them unforgettable.

Cornwall and Southern England hold influence throughout the menu as a nod to Jon’s heritage. Reimagining some of Britain’s favourite dishes, like his version of a Cornish Pasty, filled with Maitake and oyster mushrooms, a Madeira gravy and served with a walnut ketchup that cuts through its earthy qualities. His take on prawn toast is served up as a Cuttlefish Brioche with chilli jam (the green jalapenÞos for which are picked from the restaurant’s aeroponic wall, of course).

A homage to the nation’s favourite comfort food, the Roe’s Baked Potato is served with Lincolnshire Poacher cheese sauce, nori-seasoned shoestring fries and kombu ketchup as part of the restaurant’s feasting menu. Other dishes, like the skewer platters (think Smoked Lemon Chicken with hazelnut satay; and Monkfish with Lemon and Chorizo) sit atop a wooden block as a delicious table centrepiece to pick from, alongside an array of cleverly-topped Wildfarmed flatbreads. A snail ‘Vindaloo’ is served atop one of these flatbreads, coated in an aromatic sauce made from smoky bacon, mustard seeds, cumin and coriander.

A commitment to zero-waste sits strong throughout, with desserts no exception and the Caramelised Banana Parfait a fitting example. Using the whole ingredient, the banana is steamed whole while the flesh is combined with mascarpone to make a parfait. The skin is submerged in a vanilla syrup for 14 days, dried and fried to create a crisp garnish. The Roe Vienetta, with mint chocolate cream and Mexican marigolds is a nostalgic nod to dinner parties past and incorporates the vertical wall’s lemon verbena, basil and oregano.

The drinks list, curated by Bar Manager Tommy Long, draws on his prior experience working across the bars of both JKS and Jason Atherton’s The Social Company. Cocktails are inspired by the jewels of an English garden. A Lemon Verbena Swizzle features a blend of vodka, the growing wall’s lemon verbena and tonic. The Carrot Gimlet is a delicate twist of No. 3 Gin, clarified carrot cordial and a dash of citrus while the Apple Sour comprises apple syrup, butterfly sorrel and Buffalo Trace. The 300-bin wine list, led by renowned Wine Consultant Victoria Sharples and Roe’s Head Sommelier Ben Cardwell, focuses on organic, biodynamic and low-intervention wines while also showcasing classics, with bottles starting from £38.

James, Jack and Will are excited to bring the famed Fallow Sunday Roast to Wood Wharf following the opening. With succulent dairy-cow rump, middle-white pork belly, smoked leeks, and smoked venison all regulars, the offering will be a welcome addition to Canary Wharf’s Sunday lunch scene. The launch of breakfast will follow, with their signature Fallow Royale (a delectably filled croissant roll) making its own appearance, of course.

 

Source: Hospitality & Catering news

Adam Bateman joins Pan Pacific London as executive chef

Adam Bateman has been appointed executive chef of Pan Pacific London.

Pan Pacific London revealed the news in a post on LinkedIn, which said: “Adam will be responsible for all food operations across the hotel and its F&B outlets, including our signature Southeast Asian restaurant Straits Kitchen, stand-alone grab-and-go SHIOK!, in-room dining and banqueting.”

It comes after Bateman announced his departure from the Grand hotel in Birmingham last month.

He was culinary director there for nearly four years and his tenure saw him shortlisted for the Hotel Chef of the Year award at the 2022 Hotel Cateys.

Prior to that, Bateman had been group operations and development chef at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), having joined the company during its acquisition of the Principal hotel group, where he had held the same role, in 2018.

Pan Pacific London, the Pan Pacific Group’s first property in Europe, opened in September 2021.

At the time of the launch, the Singaporeean-style food outlets were led by executive chef Lorraine Sinclair and executive pastry chef Cherish Finden, who are no longer with the business.

 

Source: The Caterer 

10 Reasons To Visit The UK Food & Drink Shows 2024

The UK Food & Drink Shows return to the NEC, Birmingham next month (29th April – 1st May) bringing together the very best of the grocery, specialist retail, wholesale, foodservice and hospitality sectors. Promising a festival of talent, advice, innovation and networking across three days, we whittle down the top 10 reasons to make a trip to the midlands.

 

One free ticket, five jam-packed shows

The UK Food & Drink Shows comprise five individual events under one roof all of which can be accessed with just one visitor badge. Across Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, The Restaurant Show, National Convenience Show and The Forecourt Show, there are countless opportunities to witness innovation and get networking, meaning valuable time spent offsite can have even more of an impact for visitors whose interests go beyond any individual show. Register free here.

 

Exhibitor Excellence

Over 1200 exhibitors are set to come together across the five shows, giving visitors an abundance of choice whilst also providing brands with the most up-to-date look at innovation in their respective sectors. The breadth of exhibitors offers visitors solutions across all aspects of their business, from the latest trending products to drive footfall, to the essential services required to keep operations running more smoothly than ever.

 

A bumper crop of awards

The widely-recognised gold standard across the category, The Farm Shop & Deli Show Product and Retailers Awards return to the shows in 2024. Witness the latter reveal its winners live on stage on Monday 29th April. Britain’s Best Loaf competition will be back once more and will be announced on stage on Tuesday 30th April alongside a new event launched by British Baker, Britain’s Best Cake, which will be announced on The Grocer Stage on Monday 29th April.

 

Meet your culinary heroes

In a new feature for 2024, The Restaurant Show is opening an exclusive area for book signings. Some of the biggest influencers, chefs and operators from across the industry will be giving away copies of their latest books as well as offering visitors meet and greet sessions along with a photo opportunity.

 

Business advice

Five stages – The Grocer Stage, Farm Shop & Deli Stage, Chefs’ Stage, Restaurant Stage, Convenience Store and Forecourt Trader Stage – present a standout programme of seminars with industry experts offering their takes on the most pressing issues and thought-provoking topics.

Whether it’s questions around sustainability, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, the future of plant-based, improving diversity and inclusion, harnessing technology or trends for 2024 and beyond, sessions are designed to tackle the problems that the industry professionals continue to come up against, whilst also giving visitors an opportunity to ask their burning questions.

See the full line up here.

 

Favourites return and evolve

Dragons’ Pantry, the ultimate retail test, is back after popular success last year, with a new batch of brave entrepreneurs facing big characters and big questions as they aim to secure a new listing.  In 2024, it’s joined by the all-new Retailers’ Den, a similar concept that drills down into the convenience landscape. See which brands make a splash and try the products for yourself on Tuesday 29th April and Wednesday 1st May at 2.15pm on The Convenience Store Stage.

 

Innovation at every turn

Whether you’re looking to expand your food offerings, find a financial solution, smarten up your storage set up or discover the latest EPOS system, hundreds of innovative products are set to grace the show floor at the NEC.

 

Specialist zones

After their inaugural success in 2023, two exclusive zones are set to return to Food & Drink Expo for 2024. Healthy & Natural zone will include a range of healthy, wellness and natural products encompassing free-from, vegetarian, low-calorie and organic items to name a few. Meanwhile, Plant-Based Zone will also be making a comeback with everyone’s favourite vegan and plant-based exhibitors showcasing the future of this ever-growing sector.

 

Industry heavyweights out in force

Five separate stages, set up across the different shows, include a panellist line up that reads like a who’s who of industry specialists. Just some of the names signed up to speak are:

  • Kate Nicholls OBE, UKHospitality
  • Mariam French, LEON Restaurants
  • Aktar Islam, Opheem
  • Brad Carter, Carters

 

Don’t just take our word for it…

Of course we think you should attend our shows. To show some impartiality, here’s what previous visitors had to say…

Caroline Cooper, Director, Sunnyside gifts LTD

“We’re a new company and didn’t know what to expect as we haven’t been here before – we were looking for new suppliers and ideas and it’s just been brilliant. The vendor choices are amazing and the event is in the calendar for next year already!”

Mr Stephen Robert, Director, Cobo Butchers

“I’ve travelled here all the way from Guernsey for the three days of the shows and it’s been really worthwhile. I’ve seen some amazing ideas and had some great samples too. Overall, I’m leaving very positive.”

John Gill, Head of Marketing and Trading, Booths

“It’s a one stop shop. I think it’s absolutely invaluable to spend time at this show.”

Karen Betts OBE, CEO, Food & Drink Federation

“There’s a great range of companies across the diversity of the industry. There’s a real sense of optimism here at the show, it’s a great event to be part of.”

 

The Restaurant Show